Cabcharge clocks up a better half

Cabcharge Australia has reported a net profit of $33.3 million for the six months to December, a 28.5 per cent rise from the previous corresponding period.

The transport payments group declared an interim dividend of 18 cents per share, fully franked.

Shares were down 4 per cent to $4.925 in afternoon trade.

The company said it had recorded a solid first-half report despite the challenging business environment.

"In these circumstances, we need to be adaptable while maintaining a clear focus on the motivators of our longer term growth - leading technology, high standards of customer service and choice, product innovation and targeted diversification building on our taxi and payments competence, our national focus and our experience in the land transport and logistics industries," Cabcharge executive chairman Reg Kermode said.